THE MAIN EVENT II! Lord Bane vs. Matteponk

[Der Kuenstler]

BATTLE PLANS


From the Axis commander, Matteponk:

"Ok, here are the different plans I considered:

1) A crack SMG platoon with multiple supporting MGs quickly deployed into town mounted in trucks and on some Panthers. The purpose of this group is to hold as long as possible, drawing fire and hopefully artillery. The main force comprising the better part of a ski batallion together with the rest of the Panthers conduct a double envelopment, hopefully finishing off depleted exhausted troops in town. Panthers are the only german tanks I would dare send out off road in snow due to their fairly low ground pressure. When the weather changed to fog and visibility became 750m instead of 250m, this option was dropped.

2) A couple of PzIV platoons divided between three columns, one on each road, each led by a speedy Jagdpanther. All tanks provide enough capacity to lift an entire crack infantry company plus supporting MGs. Flank protection is provided by ski troops with panzerschrecks. Dropped this plan as Jagdpanthers are not the most cost efficient way of quickly deploying troops while providing great AT-ability.

3) (Final plan) Same as above, but making the PzIV platoons green and fielding a platoon regular of PzIV(70) instead of Jagdpanthers. This leave enough points to buy a full veteran Volksgrenadier batallion. The green PzIVs are not meant to face the russian T34/85s, but act as mobile gun and MG platforms providing long range support for my SMG infantry, while the PzIV(70)s will take care of the russian tanks. The PzIV, in my opinion a pretty lousy tank, does come with a lot of HE and MG ammo. The PzIV(70) is almost as effective as the Jagdpanther comparing short range firepower and protection, but at half the price. The speed advantage of the Jagdpanther (29mph vs 22mph) does not justify the added cost. The Volksgrenadier battalion is a nice formation, packed with SMGs and MGs as well as a couple of small caliber spotters. One third of its platoons consist of medium range Grenadiers, while the rest are all SMG platoons. The Grenadiers will watch the flanks while half the SMGs storm the center and the rest form the reserve. Mounted on the three columns of tanks will be three platoons of infantry and most of the MGs. The key here is to time the dismount point correctly, so that my lead PzIV(70)s is in firing positions when the first russian tanks appear, while my infantry and MGs fan out scrambling for cover. No plan survives contact with the enemy though, but with a large reserve of infantry and plenty of tanks to shift back and forth, I believe I will be able to handle most situations fairly well, although flank protection is my achilles heel. We'll see."

And from the Allied commander, Lord Bane:

"I am hoping to catch a cautious Matteponk moving into the town and fall upon him with masses of fast moving Red armor. The key will be speed. I am expecting him to be using Ski troops so I will need to move quickly. I am hoping he has less than 10 tanks, which is a safe bet as this is not the best armor map. Hopefully he didn't buy any Super Cats like Kings or Jadgpanthers! The hammerstroke will fall hardest on his right flank as I send twelve tanks crashing down on him. My infantry is simply along for the ride, I will try and get some of them into the main flag but my main concern is smashing his forces not gaining control of the flags. My goal is an exciting game with a clear cut winner.....hopefully me. Thought I would try the unexpected on him. Damn that Matteponk and his ways!" - Bane